Dreaming in Color

My New Year is going just as I planned it - which is packing..!! So this is the big change happening in my life (which I told you about before) – We are moving to Washington D.C. in a few days! Yes, we are.. and I am excited as hell!

So the year of 2014 is bringing us a lot of new-ness in our lives – new city, new people, new home, new life! I can’t thank you all enough for all the support you have given me so far..

I look forward to a lot more blog posts in the coming year, and living in D.C. and taking a generous feel of the east coast and woah.. I have a long list.. I am too excited for my own self!

May your new year be as adventurous and happy than ever.. May all you get you wish for..

Ending the year with a few pictures clicked while enjoying the Arizona sun.. See you all in 2014!

 P.S. All, meet my lovely sister-in-law who is enjoying packing with us right now, just as much I am ;)

Cheers to the new year..
Take care and enjoy!

Best,
Ritika

Sweatshirt: Sheinside | Jeans: Lucky Brand | Scarf: Tommy Hilfiger | Sunglasses: Forever 21 | Coat: Guess | Bag: Wilsons Leather

Love thy Lace

These are the last few pictures left to be posted from my India trip. It was another beautiful evening when I attended a wedding with my family in New Delhi. Not only I miss the food, I miss all the fun I had there.
Anyhow, this is what I wore to the wedding. It’s a black shift dress which I paired with black leggings, I don’t know why but I was in a mood of going with a monochromatic look that evening. And then I jazzed the outfit up by adding the chunky neckpiece which my mom-in-law gifted (just so you know, she has a wonderful taste in jewelry).
On a different topic, I have a big news to share with you all, which I am saving for the next post! Stay tuned for it..

Hope you are enjoying the holiday season and eating fresh and delicious food.. Don’t forget to stay fit and healthy!
Happy Holidays..

Cheers!
Ritika

Dress: Macy's (another similar) | Leggings: Loft | Necklace: Borrowed from MIL | Watch: Michael Kors | Bag: Gifted | Shoes: Payless

Rising Colors - Links à la Mode 3

I am glad to share with you all that once again my post made it to the list of 20 best blog posts chosen by the independent fashion bloggers team! Yikkesss...
Read How to Dress Like French Women in 7 Steps

This is my third feature and I thank IFB for including my post for the Weekly Roundup! You may click on the links below to read the previous two posts featured -

Maxi - The Classic Stunner
How to Avoid and Lose Post-Marriage Weight Gain

For those who don't know, Links à la Mode is a weekly list of the best blog posts/fashion articles by independent fashion bloggers who are among the 50,000 members of IFB.
Below is the list of all the posts selected for this week. Enjoy!

Happy Christmas you all!! Enjoy the holidays..

Cheers!
Ritika
  

Wearing the Pants in the Family

Do you know what? Every time you think you got the pants down, something new comes up! Transparent pants, sequin pants for any occasion, no-pants... heck even changing your sweaters into pants. It's crazy what we'll do to cover our legs! Anyway, while the whole roundup isn't necessarily about PANTS, they certainly come up every now and then. What I like about the idea of "pants" is the idea of taking control of your wardrobe. Maybe everyone in your family wears pants, but in your life who or what is wearing the metaphorical pants? And what can you do to reinvent them? Let's find out in this week's Links a La Mode!

Links à la Mode: December 19th

• A la Modest: My Previous Jobs Side by Side
• Attire Club: Tips on Being a Good Host
• Kiri Yanchenko: Crop It Like It's Hot
• Late Night Minutes: DIY Ugly Christmas Sweater
• Love, Kate Smith: Primp & Pamper
• Lucy's Pearls: How To: The New French Roll
• Miss Monet: Fashion News: Rihanna is Balmain's It Girl
• Nothing to Wear Novello: Trending SWANTS
• Quirky Britches: Borrowing from the Men's Department
• Stye Bizarre: Rock Your New Year's Eve Look
• Rising Colors: How to Dress Like a French Woman in 7 Steps
• Risticulous: What I Made: Long Cardigan
• Style Context: How To Wear Sequin Pants
• Style Wire: The Awkward Gift Guide: Over Achieving Sibling
• The Curatorial: 20 Great Gifts Under $100
• The Lifestyle Project: How to Take a Good Passport Photo
• The Stylish Butterfly: How to Avoid Buying The Wrong Quilted Puffer Coat
• The Stylist: What's the Lifespan of a Trend?
• What2WearWhere: Elaine Turner Opens Boutique
• Wild Beauty World: The Yoga Body

SPONSOR: East Dane Ca & Lou, Oscar de la Renta, RVN, Inis Meain, Havaianas, Parke Ronen, Lenny Niemeyer, Jill Stuart, Koolaburra, Christopher Raeburn   NEW Instructions for Submitting to Links à la Mode: 1. Read the clarified rules and submit your links on this page: Links à la Mode. 2. If your link was selected and you need this week’s code, visit this page: Links à la Mode Code.

How to Dress Like French Women in 7 Steps

I have always admired how beautiful the French women manage to look! Even an average looking French woman looks so chic, and elegant, it’s hard to resist the urge of staring!

Well that being said, I decided to sit down and sum up a few points on how can 'we' (it’s actually French women vs. the rest of the women in the world.. isn't it?) dress up like them! Don’t they all look like real life models walking on the ramp of life! Just saying…

So here are a 5 easy steps, which if followed smartly, can make you look no less than those French women!

1. Quality vs. Quantity

Always choose quality. I always do. Buy good quality items. Be it shoes, clothing, accessories, invest in supreme quality stuff.

Instead of buying too many items, buy a few excellent quality items which will last with you forever..

Cheap fabric is so not Parisian!

2. The Fit

Your clothes should fit you well. Invest in nice tailored pieces.

Following the trend is good however, keep in mind that everything is not for everyone.

Find your own style and stick to it.

3. Grooming

This is my favorite topic and I can talk on it for hours. But for now, here are a few tips -

Skin – A clear skin is what we are aiming for.. ALWAYS! Eat fresh fruits and drink lot of water (everyday). Eating right is the key. Junk food will not help you fight that breakout! Scrub and moisturize your skin well. Use only VERY GOOD quality products on your face.

Make-up – Minimalism is the key. Wear make-up only if you are comfortable wearing it and feel confident with it. This is no news that French women like to keep their face natural. Apply foundation only if required. Don't go overboard. If going for a bold lip look, keep rest of the face neutral.

Hair – Keep them clean and trimmed. Don’t miss your appointments with your hair dresser. Use products which uplift the shine and texture of your hair.

If you have thin hair, long hairstyle is not a good idea (it will make them look more flat). Whatever hairstyle you opt for, it should suit your face and body. Wear your hair with grace!

Nails – Keep them trimmed and polished AT ALL TIMES. A bad manicure or a chipped pedicure is a rare sight on a Parisian woman!

4. Shoes

French women walk a lot. And as a result they wear a lot of flats. They love their ballerinas and moccasins.

Comfort is the key here. Don’t wear cheap and/or uncomfortable shoes. Invest in good quality shoes ONLY.

Switch to heels for night outs and special occasions. Test and try the heel size you are comfortable in.

Don't wear high heels just for the heck of it!

5. Underwear

Be confident inside and out. Wear well fitted and color coordinated underwear.

Match your inner-wear with your outfit. No visible lines please, thank you.

6. Less is More

You will not see a French woman overdoing on anything. They wear basic colors (black, grey and neutrals)..

I am not saying you should not wear colors (you totally should, in fact I love colors myself)! I am just saying keep it minimum.

There should not be more than three colors in your outfit. It soothes the eye and looks effortless.

Similarly, don’t overdo the jewelry/accessories.

If you are wearing a statement neck piece, skip the earrings.

Likewise, if you are wearing a heavy cuff or watch, keep the other accessories light!

7. Attitude

The most important of all… your attitude matters the most! Be happy with yourself. Love your body, love yourself. Smile often.

Treat yourself with respect. Feel confident in your body. Think of ways to accentuate your features.

Eat good food, exercise hard and stay active! Love life and DON’T EVER GIVE UP!

Cheers!

Ritika

All images : Source

A New Milestone

I thank you all my super lovely 'readers' for your continuous love and support!

You inspire me, encourage me and support me..

I can't thank you all enough..

 

Here's to many more thousands...

 

Cheers!

Ritika

Another Day, Another Dress

Hello everyone! It feels good to be back on this page after almost two weeks. Such breaks are not bad at all, after all who doesn’t enjoy a little time off?
Truth be told, this short break was completely unintentional as I was very busy in arranging stuff, shopping, attending countless weddings, packing bags and then finally flying back to Phoenix. I barely had the time to switch my computer on and write a blog! Anyhow, better late than never..
So, if you don't follow Rising Colors on Facebook yet, (which you totally SHOULD), you would not know that we flew back to Phoenix this weekend and that is how our 6 week-long vacation in India came to an end.. I was busy packing last week and this week unpacking is killing me (On that note, packing and unpacking are the two activities I completely DISLIKE)..
Anyways.. I am keeping it short today, though believe me I have so, so much to share with you all. I ‘ll be back with a lot of updates from my India trip.

On the outfit part, I wore this lovely Anarkali dress for a wedding in Delhi. This is one of my many purchases from India. I love the frock style cut of this dress, and the fact it is pure cotton makes it even more comfortable. The high collar adds an extra oomph to the outfit. Enjoy a few pics (and excuse the quality of the pictures, as these were not clicked with a very good camera).
P.S. Meet my sister-in-law (last picture) who has accompanied us to Phoenix. I look forward to spend great time with her!

Cheers!
Ritika

Dress: Biba (still available in Biba stores) | Watch: Fossil | Clutch: Borrowed | Earrings: Gifted by MIL | Rings: Random | Shoes: Sole Society

In Spotlight: Tommy Hilfiger

Do you suffer with a feeling of looting a store? I do. I strongly do, and that too only for one single brand – Tommy Hilfiger. Remember here when I talked about the sizing problem and the t-shirt issues I face in day to day life? Well, it seems God answered my prayers! He listened to me and showed me the way of Tommy Hilfiger! (too dramatic ehh..??)
Okay, maybe I am exaggerating a little, but people you got to check out their stuff (if you haven't already). It won’t be wrong if I say I love everything they make.. now and forever! The thing is whenever I enter their store, there is not ‘one’ thing which I dislike! I love everything there.

I am falling in love with stripes all over again. I think no one does stripes better than them! And more than that, they make really, really good stuff for women with curves (of course, they make small sizes too). But what I mean here is – their t-shirts fit me like a glove! I recently bought myself tons of them – since I just cannot get enough of it! Their dresses, pants, blouses all are made to be worn in real life (unlike many other brands which look good only on the models or mannequins)..

It is growing like an addiction for me, I feel this instant urge of driving to the store and just checking the stuff every 10 days. I am usually the first one to know about their new designs and collections in the stores! It won't be wrong if I say the Phoenix store crew has started to recognize me! Ha ha..
I am a true TH fan!

I'm a designer of more than clothes. I am a designer of a very creative concept. ~ Tommy Hilfiger

Disclaimer: This is NOT a sponsored post. All views are my own. Yes, I love TH that much, just decided to write it all!

Cheers!

Ritika

I won The Liebster Award

I have been awarded with the Liebster Award by my lovely blogger friend Krithi from Confession of A travel-hoo-lic ;)). She loves to travel and blogs about the places she travels to and writes very honest reviews about make-up products. I thank you Krithi for the award :)

For those of you who don't know, The Liebster Award is given to the up and coming bloggers who have less than 200 followers. Blogging is about building a nice community and I believe it's a great way to connect with other bloggers and give your readers a few new blogs to follow!

Here are the rules for the Liebster Award -

• Thank the person who nominated you and link back to their blog.
• Answer the 11 questions given by the nominated blog.
• Create 11 new questions for your nominees.
• Paste a Liebster Award picture into your blog.
• Nominate a minimum of 4 bloggers and mention them in your post. (Of course let them know on their page too)!

1. If you could live anywhere in the world, where would you choose and why?
Of all the places I have been to, I loved the Ottawa city in Canada. The beauty and the history of that city excites me, it felt like I could never get enough or never get bored of the art and the culture of that city! The people are so warm and smiling and helpful –even to strangers and travelers. The food is so delicious. The architecture is so picturesque! I won't mind living there forever..

2. What is your favorite meal?
I would say Lunch. And my favorite cuisine is Thai. I love their Yellow Curry and Jasmine Rice. And I prefer it spicy!

3. What is the first thing you do in the morning?
As soon as I open my eyes, I check the time in the alarm clock on my bedside (to check how much time I have left to be on the bed – and how weird it is that within milliseconds my brain calculates the time left – even though I am like half asleep then!). And once I am up, I drink a glass of water, freshen up and go for a morning run!

4. How many lipsticks do you own?
Being a woman, I would say counting is bad.. (very bad).. If we start counting our dresses, shoes, make-up items  etc. – then the world’s economy may come to a stop! Huhh!..
Well, jokes apart, I guess I own about 20 or so..

5. Where and what time of day do you usually write?
I write usually in the afternoons or in the evenings. I believe in the old-fashioned way. I write my blog posts in a diary which I always keep in my handbag (Inspiration can strike anywhere, anytime, you see.. and I like to be prepared for that!). And then, I copy it on the blog, adding a few pictures..

6. Is there anything about yourself that you would like to change or are totally uncomfortable about?
Yes, actually there is.. I am a Cancerian, hence I tend to be protective towards my loved ones.. And some times, this protective urge becomes so strong, I start controlling them, deciding for them – like what they should or should not do.. and I know it’s not a good thing, so I try to tone it down - I keep working on it.. always..

7. Do you have a pet?
As of now, I don’t, however I had one in childhood – A Pomeranian female dog. Though, I have a strange kind of connection with cats, not sure how and why.. But I am certainly a dog person. I love, love, love dogs (that is an understatement).. I will definitely own a dog (or dogs) as soon as the circumstances are favorable!

8. Best book you have read recently?
I am a die-hard fan of the Romance Fiction. I love to get lost into the fiction world. It’s the best time of my day when I could simply forget about all my worries and live in a different world altogether! I recently read The Twilight Saga – and loved it!

9. Beauty product you can’t live without
It has to be a lip balm. I already did a post on my (not so) small collection. I hate the feeling of dry lips!

10. Gold or Silver?
Gold, any day.. so elegant..

11. Diamond or Gold?
Diamonds.. for sure..

Now I would also like to award and tag a few blogger friends with the Liebster Award -

• Asta from Cactus and Cucumber
• Kajal from In The Blue
• Maneet from In Pursuit of Myself
• Kalyani from Klassy Style Files
• Jasmine from Hues N Views
• Shabana from The Silver Kick Diaries 

I'd like to extend a formal invitation to you ladies to answer the questions and pass it on..

My set of 11 questions for you all are -

1. What’s your all-time favorite movie?
2. What do you do to keep fit?
3. What is one skill or hobby you've always wanted to learn?
4. What quality do you find most attractive in others?
5. If you had a magic lamp, what would you wish for?
6. If you have some spare time, what do you do?
7. Are you a planner? Or are you spontaneous?
8. What meal or dish do you make that kicks ass?
9. What’s something you regret, and how would you change it if you could?
10. If any character from a novel could be your best friend, who would you want it to be and why?
11. Which are the 3 blogs you read everyday?

Looking forward to your answers to these.. :)

Cheers!

Ritika

Skirting Around Delhi

Before it gets too cold, it's better to take your favorite skirts and dresses out for a spin! I did the same last night when I went out for a family dinner in Delhi. Though I wanted to wear a dress, but then the idea of wearing a sweater with one of my favorite vintage skirt sounded better. You wouldn't believe if I tell you that I bought this skirt from a vintage store in Phoenix, a week before coming to India! And I had been wanting (and waiting) for a good occasion to wear it out! It's such a beautiful skirt and in prime condition! Yesterday night was perfect. We had some crazy fun - a family dinner is never boring! What say?

I chose to wear a bright colored sweater with this black and white printed silk skirt. I could have easily opted for a monochrome blouse with it, however, I wanted to add some color to the outfit. Hence, I wore a bright pink sweater with it. Wearing heels in India is not a very good idea, especially when the roads are not heels friendly.. Anyways, I also wanted to add some edge to this otherwise girly skirt, hence I opted for these leather boots. These are oh-so comfortable and chic looking! I could never get enough of them!

On another note, I just realized today that I have already spent 4 weeks in India, good times simply fly! And this weekend I am travelling to Jammu (on a religious trip)..
What's new at your end? Share with me..

Cheers!
Ritika

Sweater: Tommy Hilfiger | Skirt: Vintage (similar here) | Shoes: Cole Haan | Watch: Invicta

Diwali Special

As it appears I am enjoying my stay in India, way more than I had expected! I believe this is the best time to be in India when the weather is so good and the markets are flooded with all the festivities..
No wonder I am having a great time here. Last week I traveled to Kanpur (my hometown). It was my mother’s birthday hence the celebrations were doubled! I baked a cake for her too, which she cut! And in her words, ‘it was heavenly delicious’.. Happy Times!
I also met my old friends and extended family – which was wonderful! We laughed, remembered those old days when we used to chat for hours, play pranks on each other and what not! Old Friends are 'Gold Friends' to say the least..
And then.. this weekend we celebrated Diwali at home (after like two years).. So this is all I have been engaged in to for the past few days.. And whenever I get some free time, I spend it in blogging..

Oh and did I mention I have shopped non-stop! (Ha.. now that’s nothing unexpected, is it?) Well the difference is I have been shopping all kinds of Indian ethnic wear.. which I am gonna take back to Phoenix with me.. (yes, that's the plan)!
As much as I love India, I have mixed feelings for this wonderful country too.. but let’s leave this subject for some other day..
Undoubtedly, my time here is just flying.. and we also have some more traveling plans in the coming weeks (I am looking forward to it!)

Here are few pictures we clicked on the eve of Diwali.. This lovely Lehenga-choli was gifted to me by my lovely husband..

P.S. Linking this post to IFB Project # 121: Skirting Around. Check here for complete details.

Cheers!
Ritika

Lehenga-Choli-Duppata: Globus, India | Shoes: Metro Shoes, India | Gold Jewelry: Gifted

Ready to Roll

For the first time I am ready to confess today that I secretly stalk men’s fashion blogs! Not only that, I also have a few favorites too (though let’s keep that part for another post).
Now, if you are wondering why do I stalk men’s blogs – then there is a simple answer to that – Why Not?? Men’s blogs are a healthy source of inspiration, and at the same time, it doesn't hurt to stalk a few handsome men in the virtual world! (Does it..??) There it is… I said it.. I do it (too).
So, obviously since I follow men’s fashion so religiously, there is bound to be an effect!
Menswear inspired fashion is definitely not new, however there is still a L-O-T of scope in this course. I feel I should experiment more! (I am on it..!!)
Personally, my favorite menswear accessory is a Hat! How stylish and elegant they make a man look! A hat turns a 'well-dressed man' in to a 'well-dressed gentleman'. Ha!
To me, hats complete an outfit – and Fedora hats are my favorite of all. So, here goes a very basic version of menswear inspired outfit.. my way..

P.S. For some reason the pictures don't do justice to the color of these Corduroy Pants. They are dark military green in color - though they look black in these pictures!

Cheers!

Ritika

Corduroy Pants: Loft | Shirt: The Limited | Fedora: Target (Men's) (similar) | Shoes: Nine West (similar) | Scarf: H&M | Watch: Invicta

Karva Chauth 2013

These days I am least bothered about blogging and keeping the blog updated! Ask me why - cause the time in India is just flying at a jet speed. (In case you are wondering, I reached here safely last week). It's already one week since our arrival here and I am simply loving every bit of it.

So it was Karva Chauth here yesterday (click here, to know more about it) and no wonder I enjoyed it to the maximum! I wore a saree (after so long).. and got all dressed up, what an evening it was..
Enjoy the pics.. Keeping it short.. since today I am not much in a talking (to myself) mood!

Till next time!

Ritika..

Saree: Part of my Trousseau (Bought from Kanpur)

On him - T-Shirt: American Rag via Macy's | Jeans: Abercrombie & Fitch